System for fluid transfer

ABSTRACT

A fluid transfer system includes a valve tree, the valve tree having a master valve having a flow axis and a header. The fluid transfer system further includes a coupler disposed between, connected to, and in fluid communication with, the valve tree and the header. The coupler has a fixed length and includes a coupler multi-path flow connector in fluid communication with the valve tree. The coupler also includes a flow control valve having a flow axis, the flow control valve directly coupled to the coupler multi-path flow connector and in fluid communication with the header.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional application that claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 62/786,080, filed Dec. 28, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to the field of equipment used in fracturing operations.

Description of the Related Art

In oilfield production operations, some wells may be stimulated to increase the production of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas. Such techniques may include high-pressure, or hydraulic, fracturing of the well formation, known to the art as “fracing” a well formation. Generally, in this process a fluid, is pumped into the formation surrounding the wellbore at high pressure via an assembly of valves, commonly referred to as a frac tree, and related frac fluid pumping equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid transfer system is described. The fluid transfer system includes a valve tree, the valve tree having a master valve having a flow axis, and a header. The fluid transfer system further includes a coupler disposed between, connected to, and in fluid communication with, the valve tree and the header. The coupler has a fixed length and includes a coupler multi-path flow connector in fluid communication with the valve tree. The coupler also includes a flow control valve having a flow axis, the flow control valve directly coupled to the coupler multi-path flow connector and in fluid communication with the header.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is described. The method includes providing a header and providing a coupler, the coupler having a fixed length. The coupler has a coupler multi-path flow connector and a flow control valve, the flow control valve directly coupled to the coupler multi-path flow connector. The method also includes connecting the coupler between the header and a valve tree, the valve tree in fluid communication with a wellhead. The valve tree has a master valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid transfer system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the fluid transfer system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fluid transfer system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the portion of the fluid transfer system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a quick connect connector in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a quick connect connector in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

“Master valve”—A master valve is a valve located on a valve tree that controls all flow from a wellbore.

“Directly coupled” means connected without intermediate structure.

FIGS. 1-4 depict one embodiment of fluid transfer system 15. Fluid transfer system 15 includes at least one valve tree 20. While FIGS. 1 and 2 depict three valve trees 20, any number of valve trees 20 may be included in fluid transfer system 15. Fluid transfer system 15 may further include header 100, such as when fluid transfer system 15 includes two or more valve trees 20. In certain embodiments, header 100 may supply fluid to valve tree 20, such as, for example and without limitation, pressurized frac fluid. Fluid transfer system 15 also includes coupler 200 for fluidly coupling header 100 to valve tree 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each valve tree 20 includes only one coupler 200 fluidly communicating with header 100, although multiple couplers 200 may be used to fluidly communicate between a single valve tree 20 and header 100.

As further depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, each valve tree 20 is associated with a wellhead 16, wherein each wellhead 16 is connected to a hydrocarbon well. Circular pads 17 adjacent each wellhead 16 may be well cellar openings surrounding each wellhead 16 that provides access to the well and the portion of the wellhead 16 disposed below the earth's surface 18. Each valve tree 20 includes master valve 25. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, each valve tree 20 may further include second master valve 26. Opening master valve 25 and/or second master valve 26 allows fluid flow through valve tree 20 along flow axis 28.

Header 100 may include inlet 101, such as a goat head or a flow cross, for entry of fluid, such as a pressurized frac fluid to header 100. Inlet 101 may include one or more fittings 102, to which hoses or piping may be connected. Header 100 may also include header multi-path flow connector 103 to which inlet 101 connects.

Header multi-path flow connector 103 may be further connected to conduit 104. Conduit 104 may be connected to adjacent header multi-path flow connector 103′ and conduit 104′ to header multi-path flow connector 103″. In the present illustrative embodiment of fluid transfer system 15, conduits 104 and 104′ are shown. As is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, any number of conduits 104 and header multi-path flow connectors 103 may be similarly connected. Although inlet 101 is shown at an end of header 100, if desired inlet 101 may be disposed at a location intermediate, or between, the ends of header 100. Header 100 may include isolation valve 109 positioned between header multi-path flow connector 103, 103′, 103″ and conduit 104, 104′ or between sections of conduit 104 so as to isolate flow from adjacent header multi-path flow connectors 103.

Conduit 104 may be constructed of piping. Each conduit 104 may be formed of one or multiple spools 120. Spools 120 may be connected to isolation valves 109 and to header multi-path flow connector 103, 103′, 103″ by spool connections 125, which may be flanged connections, studded connections, threaded connections or quick connect connectors.

If desired, expansion spool 122, which can be adjustably extended in a longitudinal direction, may be positioned within conduit 104, 104′, such as between two spools 120. By adjusting expansion spool 122, i.e., expanding or retracting expansion spool 122, coupler 200 may be horizontally aligned with a respective valve tree 20.

Header multi-path flow connectors 103, 103′, 103″ may be in certain non-limiting examples, studded or flanged flow tees. For example, header multi-path flow connectors 103, 103′, 103″ may be studded three-way or four-way flow tees, which permit flow through header multi-path flow connectors, 103, 103′, 103″ in a direction along longitudinal axis 136 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of header 100 and upwardly from header multi-path flow connectors 103, 103′, 103″ into coupler 200. If a four-way flow tee is used, flow may pass into a studded flow tee, or three-way block which may be used as auxiliary, or supplemental, inlets to, or outlets from, header 100.

In circumstances where only one valve tree 20 is present, header 100 may be omitted. As with embodiments where a plurality of valve trees 20 are present, the one valve tree embodiment includes multi-path flow connector 103 that provides a flow path from inlet 101 to coupler 200.

Header 100 may be supported by at least one elevating skid 115. Elevating skid 115 may allow vertical adjustment of header 100, thereby adjusting the vertical elevation of coupler 200. In certain non-limiting embodiments, elevating skid 115 may include adjustable base member 112, which rests upon support surface 113. Support surface 113 may be the earth's surface 18, adjacent circular pads 17, or metal skids that may include adjusting height adjusting leveling supports 116. While shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as positioned beneath header multi-path flow connectors 103, 103′, 103″, elevating skids 115 may be positioned as desired along header 100.

As described above, each valve tree 20 may be connected to a respective coupler 200 for fluid communication with header 100 and inlet 101. In certain embodiments, coupler 200 has a fixed length, meaning that there are no expansion joints or other mechanisms designed to adjust the length or height of coupler 200. Coupler 200 may be joined by first coupler connector 205 to header 100 and joined by second coupler connector 210 to valve tree 20. First coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210 may be a conventional flanged connector or quick connect connectors. In addition to providing a quick and efficient connecting of each coupler to its respective frac tree, the header quick connect connectors may facilitate the efficient and safe installation and removal of coupler 200. Additionally, use of coupler 200 permits a user of fluid transfer system 15 to quickly disassemble, or “rig down”, the fluid transfer system 15 to access master valves 25, 26 for replacement of one or more master valves 25, 26.

When connectors, such as first coupler connector 205 or second coupler connector 210 are quick connectors, the connectors may include male tubular member 126, which is matingly received within female tubular member 127. As shown in FIG. 5, first coupler connector 205, for example, may include male tubular member 126 received within the female tubular member 127. A plurality of drive screws 128 may be tightened to releasably secure male and female tubular members 126, 127, in a sealed relationship. Thus, male and female tubular members 126, 127 may form first coupler connector 205, for example, without assembly and tightening of conventional nut and bolt connections. In certain other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the quick connect connector may include two male tubular members 126 matingly and releasably received within a pipe section or clamp 129. In yet other embodiments, the quick connect connector includes two female tubular members 127 matingly and releasably receiving a pipe section or clamp. In some embodiments, the quick connect connectors may reverse the male and female tubular members 126, 127 of quick connect connectors.

In certain embodiments, coupler 200 may include at least two wing valves 215. In some embodiments, four wing valves 215 may be used, for instance, where two of wing valves 215 are disposed approximately 180 degrees apart from the other two wing valves 215 and may form a row, the row having a longitudinal axis 216 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

In certain embodiments, coupler 200 includes at least one flow control valve 220, and may include two flow control valves 220, 222 disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from longitudinal axis 216. Flow control valves 220, 222 may be used to control the flow of fluid from header 100 to each valve tree 20. Flow control valves 220, 222 may have internal bore dimensions that are greater than, or equal to, the internal bore dimension of, master valves 25, 26. Flow control valves 220, 222 may have flow axis 223 that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 216. In some embodiments, flow control valves 220, 222 may be directly coupled to coupler multi-path flow connectors 260. In certain embodiments, such as if fluid transfer system 15 is used with a single frac tree, coupler 200 may not include flow control valve 220.

Coupler 200 may include or be in fluid communication with swab valve 230. In certain embodiments, swab valve 230 is integral with coupler 200. In other embodiments, swab valve 230 is connected to coupler 200 by a flanged connection, studded connection, threaded connection, clamp, or quick connect connector.

Coupler 200 may include elbow 250, such as a two-way block, disposed between flow control valves 220, 222 and first coupler connector 205. Coupler multi-path flow connector 260, such as a coupler multi-path flow connector with three fluid connection ports, a studded 5-way flow cross or a 6-way flow cross with a blind flange may be positioned below swab valve 230. Coupler multi-path flow connector 260 may be in fluid communication with: swab valve 230; wing valves 215; flow control valves 220, 222; and valve tree 20. In certain embodiments, flow control valves 220, 222 are directly connected to coupler multi-path flow connector 260, without any intervening piping or components.

During the drilling of a well, wellhead 16 may be installed on each well. Valve tree 20 may be connected to wellhead 16. Master valves 25, 26 are installed, or attached, to wellhead 16. When more than one valve tree 20 is used, header 100 is then positioned in a spaced relationship from wellhead 16.

Coupler 200 may be assembled at the well site; in other embodiments, the components of the coupler 200 are preassembled at another location. Coupler 200 may be transported to the well site and be lifted, such as by a crane or other suitable lifting device and positioned above header 100 and valve tree 20. Coupler 200 may be lowered and connected to header 100 and valve tree 20, using first coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210. When first coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210 are flanged or studded connectors, first coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210 may be affixed by bolting. If quick connect connectors are used for first coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210 female tubular members 127 of first coupler connector 205 and second coupler connector 210 are positioned about male tubular members 126 of the quick connect connectors. Thereafter, drive screws 128 may be tightened to securely fasten female tubular members 127 to male tubular members 126 of the quick connect connectors.

If fluid transfer system 15 includes a plurality of valve trees 20, additional portions of header 100 may be assembled to include conduit 104′, isolation valve 109, header multi-path flow connectors 103′, and elevating skids 115, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These additional portions of header 100 are assembled in the manner previously described and are mounted on elevating skids 115 and are each disposed in a spaced relationship from wellheads of each additional valve tree 20. As previously described, these other portions of the header 100 are then connected together as by conduit 104′, as previously described, so that header 100 appears as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each additional coupler 200 may be connected to header 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and valve trees 20. Fluid transfer system 15 may be enlarged for use with additional valve trees, as by attaching additional portions of the header 100 and couplers.

Header 100 may include vertical supports 130 disposed under spools 120, such as below spool connections 125 between spools 120. In certain non-limiting embodiments, vertical supports 130 may be formed from a plurality of triangular shaped panel members 131 and drive screw assembly 132, which upon rotation of handle 133, results in upward or downward movement of spool connections 125 of header 100. If desired, additional vertical supports 130 may be used to support spools 120.

Coupler 200 may include third coupler connector 270 disposed above coupler multi-path flow connector 260 and below swab valve 230. Third coupler connector 270 may be a conventional flanged connection. Third coupler connector 270 may be a quick connect connector.

While several exemplary embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it may be understood that the disclosed embodiments might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.

In addition, the various exemplary embodiments described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. 

We claim:
 1. A fluid transfer system comprising: a valve tree, the valve tree having a master valve having a flow axis; a header; and a coupler disposed between, connected to, and in fluid communication with, the valve tree and the header, the coupler having a fixed length, the coupler including a coupler multi-path flow connector in fluid communication with the valve tree and a flow control valve having a flow axis, the flow control valve directly coupled to the coupler multi-path flow connector and in fluid communication with the header.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a connection between the header and the coupler or the coupler and the valve tree is a flanged connector, studded connector, threaded connector, clamp, or quick connect coupler.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the quick connect connector includes a male tubular member matingly and releasably received within a female tubular member.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the quick connect connector includes two male tubular members matingly and releasably received within a pipe section or clamp.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the quick connect connector includes two female tubular members matingly and releasably receiving a pipe section or clamp.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection between the coupler and the valve tree is disposed below the coupler multi-path flow connector.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection between the coupler and the header is disposed between the header and the flow control valve.
 8. The valve tree system of claim 1, wherein the coupler multi-path flow connector has three fluid connection ports.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the header includes a conduit connected to an inlet through a header multi-path flow connector, and an isolation valve.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler multi-path flow connector is disposed vertically above the master valve, the flow axis of the flow control valve is substantially perpendicular to the flow axis of the master valve.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler further comprises a swab valve disposed above coupler multi-path flow connector, the swab valve in fluid communication with the coupler multi-path flow connector and the master valve.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the swab valve is integral with the coupler or connected to the coupler by a swab valve connector disposed below the swab valve, wherein the swab valve connector is a flanged connector, studded connector, threaded connector or quick connect coupler.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the header further comprises an expansion spool.
 14. The system of claim 1 further comprising an elevating skid, the elevating skid positioned beneath the header.
 15. The system of claim 1 further comprising an isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve is positioned so as to isolate a section of the header.
 16. A method comprising: providing a header; providing a coupler, the coupler having a fixed length, the coupler including a coupler multi-path flow connector and a flow control valve, the flow control valve directly coupled to the coupler multi-path flow connector; and connecting the coupler between the header and a valve tree, the valve tree in fluid communication with a wellhead, the valve tree having a master valve.
 17. The method of 16, wherein the header further comprises an expansion spool, the method further comprising extending or retracting the expansion spool.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising: positioning an elevating skid beneath the header; and adjusting the height of the header using the elevating skid.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising connecting a swab valve to the coupler such that the swab valve is directly above the valve tree and in fluid communication with the coupler multi-path flow connector.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the swab valve is integral to the coupler.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of connecting the coupler between the header and the valve tree comprises: connecting the coupler to the valve tree; connecting the coupler to the header; and connecting the swab valve to the coupler.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of connecting the coupler between the header and the valve tree includes connecting the coupler to the header and the coupler to the valve tree.
 23. The method of claim 16, wherein the connection between the header and the coupler, between the header and the valve tree, or both is a quick connect connector, the method further comprising adjusting the position of the coupler with respect to the header, the valve tree, or both using the quick connect connector.
 24. The method of claim 16, wherein the header further comprises an isolation valve, the method further comprising operating the isolation valve.
 25. A fluid transfer system comprising: a valve tree, the valve tree having a master valve having a flow axis; an inlet, the inlet connected to a multi-path flow connector; and a coupler disposed between, connected to, and in fluid communication with, the valve tree and the multi-path flow connector, the coupler having a fixed length, the coupler further including a flow control valve having a flow axis.
 26. The fluid transfer system of claim 25, wherein the fluid transfer system includes only one valve tree and one coupler. 